Official statements from NATO or involved Western governments

Putin Orders RS-28 'Satan II' Missiles Combat-Ready Amid Ukraine Nuclear Weapons Tensions

Nov 27, 2024, 08:38 PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missiles, known as 'Satan II,' to be prepared for combat readiness as soon as possible. This directive comes amid escalating tensions, with Russia warning that any Western transfer of nuclear weapons to Ukraine would be considered an attack on Moscow, potentially justifying a nuclear response. Dmitry Medvedev, a senior Russian official, described the transfer of nuclear weapons to Ukraine as a 'red line' and equated it to an act of aggression against Russia. The Kremlin has labeled the idea of arming Ukraine with nuclear weapons as 'insane,' cautioning that such actions could push the world to the brink of catastrophe. The RS-28 Sarmat missiles are capable of carrying up to 16 nuclear warheads, have a range of approximately 11,000 miles, and are capable of striking targets across continents.